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Join us for an informative and empowering session focused on how measurable biomarkers can help guide your Parkinson’s journey.
Dr. Mischley will explain how advanced testing—using blood, urine, and hair samples—can identify key metabolic factors associated with faster or slower disease progression. You’ll learn how these biomarkers can be used to track changes over time and help shape personalized interventions, including nutrition, supplements, exercise, and mindfulness practices.
This webinar offers a clear look into Dr. Mischley’s naturopathic, research-based approach—giving participants tools to better understand and potentially influence their disease trajectory.
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Dr. Laurie K. Mischley, ND, PhD, MPH is a leading expert in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and integrative/nutritional neurology.
- Naturopathic doctor, epidemiologist, and researcher.
- Specializes in nutritional strategies and lifestyle approaches to slow Parkinson’s progression.
- Clinical assistant professor at Bastyr University.
- Maintains a small private practice in Seattle, WA (Seattle Integrative Medicine) focused only on patients with Parkinsonism.
- Founder of Parkinson School and the PRO-PD (Patient-Reported Outcomes in Parkinson’s Disease) tracking tool/app.
- PRO-21 Diet: Developed from a large 10-year study (2,000+ patients).
People who scored 15+ points on this diet had 43% slower progression compared to others. It outperformed Mediterranean and MIND diets for PD symptom management.
Core ideas: organic/home-cooked foods, spices, specific fruits/veggies, minimizing processed foods, etc.
- Research on nutrient deficiencies common in PD (glutathione, lithium, CoQ10, etc.).
- Strong advocate for lifestyle as medicine — diet, exercise, and measurable patient outcomes.
Quick recap
This meeting was a PD Labs educational session led by Laurie Mischley, a PhD, ND, MPH and naturopathic doctor specializing in Parkinson's disease research and treatment. Laurie presented on the importance of biomarker testing for Parkinson's patients, explaining how specific lab tests including B12 levels, homocysteine, vitamin D, cholesterol, and hair mineral analysis can help predict outcomes and guide treatment decisions. She discussed the Parkinson's Panel, a comprehensive testing approach available through RupaHealth.com, and emphasized that many conventional reference ranges may not be appropriate for Parkinson's patients, suggesting the need for Parkinson-specific reference ranges. The session covered practical recommendations for supplements including B12 and B-complex vitamins, fish oil for omega-3 fatty acids, and magnesium, while addressing concerns about medications like carbidopa-levodopa and their impact on B vitamin levels. Laurie also explained the PROPD (Patient Reported Outcomes in Parkinson's Disease) scoring system and encouraged participants to track their symptoms over time, noting that financial stability, social connections, and lifestyle factors significantly impact Parkinson's outcomes.
Next steps
Laurie Mischley
Post WPC posters (on financial health, sexual health, and validation of ProPD scale) on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Parkinson's school after the World Parkinson Congress in May.
Continue development of automated lab report system that provides personalized recommendations based on lab results for patients and providers.
Collaboration
Susan/Bonnie/Group organizers: Consider starting a harmonica class for group members (discussed as a possible new offering).
All interested participants: Order Parkinson's lab panel through RupaHealth (or via their own providers) and review results, as described by Laurie Mischley.
All interested participants: Download and begin using the Parkinson's symptom Tracking app (ProPD) to monitor symptoms, ideally tracking weekly for 8 weeks initially, then quarterly as suggested.
All interested participants: Follow up with their own doctors to discuss and potentially order recommended lab tests (e.g., homocysteine, methylmalonic acid, vitamin D, Omega Check, etc.) and review results in the context of Parkinson's-specific reference ranges.
All interested participants: If in New York, explore options for obtaining hair mineral testing (e.g., via Doctors Data if possible, or advocate for legal change).
All interested participants: If making major changes (e.g., new diet, new medications), track ProPD score weekly to monitor response.
Summary
PD Labs Presentation
Parkinson's Lab Testing Discussion
Laurie Mischley introduced herself to the group and discussed the importance of lab testing in Parkinson's disease, mentioning her expertise in nutrition and lifestyle approaches to slow Parkinson's progression. She highlighted her background as a clinical assistant professor and the founder of Parkinson's School, recommending it as a valuable resource for members. The group briefly discussed the benefits of harmonica playing for Parkinson's patients, with Laurie suggesting joining a harmonica club. The meeting was set to begin with Laurie presenting on PD labs, though the detailed content of her presentation was not captured in the transcript.
Parkinson's Biomarkers Research Discussion
Laurie Mischley discussed her research on Parkinson's disease, focusing on biomarkers and their potential impact on disease progression. She explained how she developed a Parkinson's Panel, which includes various blood and hair tests, to assess patients before their initial consultation. Laurie emphasized the importance of considering biomarkers like B12 levels, which can affect outcomes such as dementia risk in Parkinson's patients. She highlighted that current reference ranges for certain biomarkers may not be appropriate for Parkinson's patients, suggesting different thresholds based on her research findings.
Parkinson's B12 Reference Ranges Discussion
Laurie Mischley discussed the importance of Parkinson's-specific reference ranges for B12 levels, explaining that standard ranges of 300-400 are insufficient for Parkinson's patients. She emphasized the need for more data through the MVP study to establish causal relationships between nutritional deficiencies and Parkinson's symptoms. Laurie also highlighted the value of hair testing for detecting mineral deficiencies, particularly magnesium, and noted a concerning association between high arsenic levels in hair and worse Parkinson's symptoms, likely due to rice consumption.
Cobalt and B12 Deficiency Discussion
Laurie Mischley discussed the importance of cobalt in B12 function and highlighted that 27% of patients may have a cobalt deficiency, which can impact B12's effectiveness. She explained that B12 deficiency is linked to an increased risk of Parkinson's disease and worse outcomes, particularly in older adults and those with certain health conditions. Mischley emphasized that measuring methylmalonic acid and homocysteine levels, along with hair cobalt, is more effective than measuring serum B12 levels for assessing B12 status and its impact on health outcomes.
B12 and Parkinson's Treatment Strategies
Laurie Mischley discussed the importance of proper B12 testing and treatment, recommending a combination of B12 under the tongue and active B complexes for most patients. She then explained the relationship between cholesterol levels and Parkinson's symptoms, noting that higher HDL (good cholesterol) levels above 65 were associated with fewer Parkinson's symptoms. Laurie also covered the significance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in Parkinson's treatment, recommending an omega-6 to omega-3 ratio below 7 and an Arachidonic acid to EPA ratio below 10 for optimal outcomes.
Vitamin D and Biomarkers in Parkinson's
Laurie Mischley discussed the importance of vitamin D levels in Parkinson's disease, noting a U-shaped curve where levels between 60-80 are optimal, and presented research on red cell distribution width (RDW) and albumin ratio (RAR) as potential biomarkers for metabolic health in Parkinson's patients. She shared surprising findings that blood sugar levels and hair sodium levels appear to affect Parkinson's outcomes, though the mechanisms remain unclear. Laurie emphasized the potential of inexpensive biomarkers and introduced a tracking app for patients to monitor their PROPD scores, while also working on developing a simplified lab testing system to help both patients and providers address metabolic issues related to Parkinson's disease.
Parkinson's Research Presentation Planning
Laurie Mischley discussed her upcoming presentation at the World Parkinson Congress in May, where she will display posters on financial health, sexual health in Parkinson's, and the validation of the ProPD scale. She explained her research findings on dietary patterns associated with better Parkinson's outcomes, introducing a PRO 21 diet that appears more beneficial than both Mediterranean and MIND diets based on a study of 2,200 people over a decade. The discussion touched on various health-related questions from participants, including supplement recommendations and testing protocols, though Laurie's responses were cut off at the end of the transcript.
Parkinson's Nutrition and Monitoring
Laurie Mischley discussed the importance of monitoring iron levels in Parkinson's patients, noting that people with low iron readings in their labs were actually doing well in their research. She recommended using Protocol for Life B12 supplements (10,000 mcg, dissolved under the tongue) and ACTIV B-Complex by Integrative Therapeutics for B vitamin support. Regarding PRO PD testing, Laurie suggested doing it quarterly when stable, but weekly when making medication changes, to track variations in Parkinson's symptoms. She also addressed concerns about B6 deficiency related to Sinemet, explaining that while carbidopa levodopa can deplete B vitamins, the risk of B6 deficiency-related seizures is very rare, affecting only about six people total.
Parkinson's Biomarker Testing Program
Laurie Mischley explained how she set up lab testing through Rupa for Parkinson's patients, allowing anyone to order tests including blood and hair analysis, though New York residents cannot receive hair tests due to state regulations. She discussed the importance of measuring key biomarkers like vitamin D levels (target 60-80) and homocysteine (target below 10), sharing her research findings and emphasizing the need for proper measurement rather than just supplement use. Laurie also warned about the significant placebo effect in Parkinson's treatment and stressed the importance of evidence-based approaches, while expressing gratitude to the community members who funded the testing program.
